Gabriel Bortoleto clinches Formula 2 championship ahead of Sauber debut
Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian racing prodigy, has been crowned the Formula 2 champion, setting the stage for an exciting transition to Formula 1 with the Sauber team next season. Bortoleto's victory was secured at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where despite finishing second, he amassed enough points to claim the championship title and conclude a phenomenal season.
The 20-year-old from Brazil has shown an impressive trajectory in his racing career, having won the Formula 3 championship last year. His success in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone, achieving back-to-back titles across the feeder series, a feat accomplished by only a handful of drivers who have made their mark in Formula 1, including Oscar Piastri, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc.
In a dramatic final race at Yas Marina, Bortoleto’s main rival for the title, Isack Hadjar, found misfortune as he stalled on the grid, altering the outcome of their closely contested battle. This turn of events allowed Bortoleto to end the season with a total of 214.5 points, comfortably ahead of Hadjar’s 192 points.
The race on Sunday saw an outstanding performance from Paraguayan-German rookie Joshua Durksen, who clinched victory, showcasing the depth of talent in Formula 2. Reflecting on the overall standings, Red Bull-backed Hadjar secured the runner-up position, with Alpine F1’s Estonian reserve, Paul Aron, finishing a commendable third in the championship.
Bortoleto’s ascent to the Formula 1 grid with Sauber is keenly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, who will be eager to see if he can translate his success in the feeder series to the pinnacle of motorsport. His achievements resonate with the paths of current F1 stars who have shown that excelling in the lower tiers is indicative of potential greatness at the highest level.
The season also noted the absence of Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver set to replace Lewis Hamilton next season, who was sidelined due to illness and finished sixth overall. Meanwhile, British talent Oliver Bearman, pegged for a full-time seat with Haas in 2025, concluded the season in 12th place, after an opportunity to compete in three Grands Prix this year with Ferrari and the U.S. team.
As the Formula 2 season wraps up, the spotlight now turns to Bortoleto, whose journey from Formula 3 champion to Formula 2 titleholder, and now to a Formula 1 debutant with Sauber, embodies the dreams and aspirations of young drivers worldwide.
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